By Glenn LeSanto

Despite quitting his team after the Donington round, defending European Superstock Champion James Ellison is on pole for Sunday’s race at
Lausitzring in Germany. The young British rider took his Suzuki to the head of the pack in sunny conditions early on Saturday morning. But he’s only a few tenths of a second ahead of his archrival Walter Tortoroglio, who’s also
riding a Suzuki GSX-R1000. The pair have been involved in a closely fought battle at every round of the series so far this year, with Ellison just taking the advantage with a win at Donington. The close action looks set to
continue in Sunday’s race. Marty Nutt continues his good run of form, qualifying third on the grid. But Nutt, also on a Suzuki GSX-R1000, is still a second off Ellison’s pace.

Spaniard Daniel Oliver had his best qualifying session of the year on the Aprilia RSV1000R to take the last slot on the front row, proving that you don’t have to be on a Suzuki to do well in Superstock. Like Nutt, he’ll have his work cut out on race day – he’s also over a second off the pole time.

European Superstock
Lausitzring, Germany
Final Qualifying

Rider, nationality, manufacturer, time

1.James Ellison, GBR, Suzuki, 1:45.427
2.Walter Tortoroglio, ITA, Suzuki, 1:45.780
3.Marty Nutt, GBR, Suzuki, 1:46.489
4.Daniel Oliver, SPA, Aprilia, 1:46.640
5.Benny Jerzenbeck, GER, Suzuki, 1:46.679
6.Giacomo Romanelli, ITA, Suzuki, 1:47.099
7.Marty Heckles, GBR, Honda, 1:47.194
8.Dario Tosolini, ITA, Ducati, 1:47.250